Severe Thunderstorms
March 8th 2009

Overview:

A fast moving line of supercell thunderstorms brought hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes to eastern Missouri and southwest Illinois. A total of 10 tornadoes have been documented with the severe thunderstorm event that occurred during the late morning and early afternoon hours of Sunday March 8th 2009. After the line of thunderstorms moved across the area, strong gradient (non-thunderstorm) winds caused additional minor damage and power outages to the area.

Event Time: 10:56-10:57 a.m.
Path Length=1.5 miles
Max Width=100 yards
Max Damage Rating=EF2
Damage: Two cabins along the east side of the Illinois River sustained minor roof and siding damage, while a third cabin sustained severe damage. A fourth cabin was completely destoryed. Numerous large trees were severed or snapped near the base of the trunk. Debris from the cabin was found 300 yards to the northeast. A farmstead further northeast suffered varying degrees of damage on the property. One large machine shed sustained roof and side damage, while a small garage was totally destroyed. The residence home sustained minor roof damage. A witness observed this tornade and stated that 1.25 inch diameter hail occurred prior to the tornado.

EF0 Tornado Confirmed near Rosedale in Jersey County, Illinois

Event Time: 10:57-11:00 a.m.
Path Length=4 miles
Max Width=40 yards
Max Damage Rating=EF0
Damage: The roof of one machine shed was lifted and destroyed on a farmstead while tree and branches snapped along Hollow Creek Road. A water pump house was nearly destroyed 2.5 miles south of Fieldon, Illinois.

Event Time: 11:30-11:35 a.m.
Path Length= 4-5 miles
Max Width= N/A
Max Damage Rating=EF1
Damage: A lumber shed was destoyed, two grain bins sustained damage, one was blown off its foundation and the other had its anchor bolts sheared off. A small shed and outbuilding was also destroyed.

EF0 Tornado Confirmed Near Baldwin and Tilden in Washington County, Illinios